Family Advent: Week 3 - The Baby
Bible Verse
“This very day in King David's hometown a Savior was born for you. He is Christ the Lord. You will know who he is, because you will find him dressed in baby clothes and lying on a bed of hay.” Suddenly many other angels came down from heaven and joined in praising God. They said: “Praise God in heaven! Peace on earth to everyone who pleases God.” Luke 2:11-14
The four weeks leading up to Christmas are a special time for God's people. This time of year is called Advent. In this month’s devotion and parent blog series, we’ll address The Promise of God to His People, The Servant of God, The Baby Sent by God, and The Blessing from God, which all bring the message of love the season brings. In this third week, your family can use the activities to discuss The Baby Sent by God.
Christmas is a time of joy, hope, love, and sharing among family and friends. One way we do this is through the giving of gifts. However, we must be more careful to focus on the true meaning of Christmas and the gift the world received in Jesus (2 Corinthians 9:15). During this time of Advent, let’s teach our children praise, adoration, and thanksgiving to God for that gift in a baby named Jesus.
Think about the overwhelming joy and worship the shepherds expressed to see the Messiah. What are some ways your children may express thanks and adoration as they think about the birth of Jesus and his gift of salvation to the world? Here are some tips to guide children into a time of prayer and thankfulness this season.
Praise and Adoration. Honor Christ for who he is in our lives. Use these Scriptures to guide children in a prayer of praise and adoration. What other names and descriptions of Jesus can your family find?
The Lamb of God - John 1:29
Savior - Matthew 1:21
God with us - Matthew 1:23
Thanksgiving. Give thanks to God for what he has done. Use these Scriptures to guide children in a prayer of thanksgiving. What else are you thankful for?
Jesus took the punishment for our sins - Isaiah 53:5-8
His eternal love - Psalm 107:1; Romans 8:35-39
Jesus intercedes to God the Father for us - Romans 8:34
Here’s an example:
Dear Lord, you are our Redeemer and Savior from our sins. I am grateful that you are Immanuel, God with us (praise and adoration). Thank you for sending Jesus to take away our sins. Thank you for how you love, protect, and care for us (thanksgiving). Please help me to show your love to others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
As parents, we want to instill a heart of thankfulness in our children. The best lesson we can give is to teach them that Jesus is the greatest gift we could ever receive and how to thank God for him.
Want to do a deep dive? Check out Family Fire’s article Finding the Ability to Love Well at Christmas.
Natasha Menifee
Natasha Menifee is an educator, writer and most importantly a child of God. She has taught in public schools for 12 years and holds two master's degrees from Georgetown College in Learning & Behavior Disorders and Teacher Leadership. Natasha also serves as the Christian Education Director at her church. She is the proud mother of two daughters. For more information about her, visit www.natashamenifee.com.
